Bursitis is basically an inflammation of the bursa, which is a small fluid-filled sac between the bone and soft tissue. Think of it as a shock absorber built into your body. When these sacs become inflamed or swollen, constant severe pain may occur. It usually occurs on the shoulders, elbows, knees and hips.
Triggers vary. It can also be a sudden, minor injury. It can also be caused by repetitive movements, such as kneeling on a hard floor for hours on end. Arthritis and infections can also be causes. If the cushioning system fails, movement becomes difficult.
For those considering treatments other than standard NSAIDs, alternative therapies offer a different approach. These methods are designed to address the underlying cause, not just mask the pain. Learn how Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Chiropractic work ** Chiropractic for Bursitis **.
Adjust alignment
Chiropractic sees the body as an interconnected system. The premise is that an imbalance in the spine can disrupt nerve function and indirectly cause joint problems such as bursitis. For example, misaligned vertebrae in the neck can affect the shoulder joint.
Chiropractors use manual adjustments to align the spine. It’s not just about healing painful joints. This removes nerve disorders and restores proper posture. The goal is to reduce inflammation and help the body return to a state where it can repair itself. By aligning your teeth, you can prevent bursitis from recurring.
This requires highly trained professionals. Chiropractors specialize in this area, but osteopaths and naturopaths may also use spinal manipulation. Physical therapists and massage therapists often use similar techniques, such as trigger point therapy. Treatment plans often include specific exercise and dietary changes to support recovery.
Restore energy flow with acupuncture
Acupuncture is often said to relieve pain effectively. This is a treatment that involves inserting thin needles into specific areas of the body. But proponents believe it does more than just suppress pain. Its purpose is to balance the body’s energy, or Qi.
Acupuncturists don’t just treat swelling in the knees and elbows. They see the whole person. Check the pulse, observe the color of the tongue and take a detailed medical history. This comprehensive evaluation will help identify underlying imbalances that predispose you to bursitis.
Once these points are identified, small needles are inserted. These acupuncture points can also be stimulated with light electric current, heat or cold pressure. Herbal medicines are often added to the treatment to support this process.
This requires a qualified acupuncturist, herbalist or naturopath. Your first visit will likely include a lengthy discussion about your symptoms, diet and lifestyle. The idea is that joint function can be restored by solving systemic problems.
Hands-On Healing: Bodywork Techniques
Chiropractors do not claim to cure bursitis completely. Instead, they relieve pain and create the right conditions for the body to heal. These techniques help restore your body to a healthier state by increasing circulation and reducing tension.
For example, massage therapy increases blood circulation in damaged tissues. Swedish massage uses rhythmic, flowing strokes that target the heart to promote lymphatic circulation and relaxation.
Other specialized bodywork methods include:
- Applied Kinesiology: This focuses on muscle function to correct energy imbalances and often combines manual testing with diet and exercise recommendations.
- The Feldenkrais Method: This method uses gentle, specific movements to retrain the nervous system and help the body move more efficiently.
- Reflexology: A method of applying pressure to specific points on the feet and hands, based on the theory that these points correspond to other parts of the body.
- Rolfing: This intensive form of deep tissue treatment is designed to balance the body’s structure in the gravitational field by affecting the connective tissues.
All of these treatments require proper application by a trained physician.
Additional supportive care
In addition to the main methods, there are several other ways to reduce stress. These are often used in conjunction with other treatments.
- Herbs: Arnica oil, comfrey, turmeric, and willow can help reduce inflammation when taken topically or internally.
- Homeopathic Remedies: Commonly recommended arthritis treatments such as bryonia alba and rhus toxicodendron.
- Nutritional treatment: A diet deficient in vitamins weakens the body’s defenses. Increasing vitamin C and vitamin A intake while avoiding caffeine can promote tissue healing.
- Osteopathy: Similar to chiropractic, it focuses on realigning the spine, moving joints and improving circulation.
- Yoga: Gentle yoga improves breathing, corrects posture and strengthens muscles that support joints.
These options provide a toolkit for managing bursitis. They are not a substitute for a medical diagnosis, but offer different ways to deal with pain. Some people experience immediate relief of symptoms. You may need to combine several approaches. The body is complex, and what works for one person may not work for another. Efforts to relieve symptoms often continue long after the initial swelling has subsided.
